Skip to content

Norm Referenced Test

A norm referenced test is a type of test, evaluation, or assessment that provides an estimate of the position of the tested individual in a population, as compared with the trait being measured. Assigning scores for such tests can be described as marking on a curve, grading on a curve,  relative grading, bell curving, using grading curves, or curved grading. It is a method of assigning grades to students in such a way that it helps them obtain or approach a pre-specified distribution of those grades having a specific mean and derivation properties like a normal distribution or Gaussian distribution).

The term ‘curve’ refers to the bell curve, a graphical representation of the probability density of the normal distribution, but this method can be used for achieving any desired distribution of the grades, like in a uniform distribution. This estimate is derived from the analysis of test scores and other relevant data from a sample drawn from the population. This type of test can help decide whether the test-taker performed better or worse than other people who took the test, not whether they know either more or less material than is necessary for a given purpose. When the reference population in the study are the peers of the test taker, the term normative assessment is used. 

A norm referenced test can be contrasted with criterion referenced test and ipsative test. In a criterion referenced test, the result shows whether or not the people who took the test performed well or poorly on a given task and not how it compares to other people who took the test. An ipsative system is where the test takers are compared to their own previous performance.  

Teachmint has a large repository of learning resources like notes, lecture videos, etc. available on every subject – click here to access it right away. We offer educational infrastructure to institutes to make their task easier. With our tools like user management, we take care of daily administrative tasks so you can focus on providing the best learning experience to students. Explore our website to know more about our offerings like lms portal.

Introducing the World's First AI-Enabled Connected Classroom Technology
World's First AI-Enabled Connected Classroom Technology